Cleat Spike Insole

ABSTRACT

A shoe foundation assembly for receiving and retaining a number of cleats or spikes into the bottom sole of the shoe such as might be utilized in various sporting events. The shoe foundation assembly includes a unitarily molded shoe cradle component with a toe guard at a first end, a heel guard at a second end, and arch medial. An outsole is bonded to the midsole component sized and shaped to be positioned on the underside base of the shoe cradle component. The detachable cradle incorporates hillock apertures for positioning a number of sealable inserts to receive the cleat/spikes. Bonded to the midsole is an outsole component having a plurality of slit apertures also positioned to receive the plurality of cleat/spikes. A number of different types of cleats or shoe spikes may be inserted into the apertures in the outsole and through the sealable inserts within the midsole. Each of the cleat/spikes incorporates a structure for the retention of the cleat/spike onto the shoe foundation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 11/526,372, filedSep. 25, 2006, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No.10/900,217, filed Jul. 27, 2004, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The specialization of sports shoes, i.e. football, soccer, baseball, andbasketball, has drawn the invention of a multiple or two way sport shoe.This specialization has resulted in the relocation of hardened plasticmaterials into the interior as cradle insole support and as a means forcleat/spike attachment. The present invention retains a comfortable softsole versus a conventional hard outsole plate.

2. Background of the Invention

The modern cleated athletic shoe is a combination of many elements whichhave specific functions, all of which work together for support andprotection during an athletic event. The design of athletic shoes hasbecome a science, but there has been little advancement for cleatedfootwear. The outsole plate and cleats provides traction, protection anda durable wear surface. Outsole plates severally limit runningperformance. In particular, outsole plates can cause discomfort,fatigue, and injury. Outsole plates inhibit the musculo-skeletal motionwith respect to the flexibility movement of the phalanges bones and themetatarsal bones of a wearer's foot.

The design of the present invention, however takes into account thedemands and requirements of the sport as they relate to the performanceand safety of athletes. In meeting these demands, the present inventionand innovation is directed to creating an “insole cradle connected”cleat/spike shoe. The cleat/spike insole shoe prevents instabilityleading to fatigue, injury and inefficiency of foot work action. It isdesirable to eliminate interference with the bio mechanical runningsequence and to enhance performance by providing a shoe that can be usedfor running and traction.

Broadly, an article of footwear includes an upper and an insole. Theinsole includes a plurality of downward extending ground engagingmembers providing traction. The cradle insole lies next to the footunder a sockliner. The insole is the foundation of the shoe, includingan arch support device that cradles the foot and lifts the arch. Whilethe peripheral portions cradle the sides of the foot to reduce pronationand supination.

The midsole lies between the insole and the outsole. The primaryfunction of the midsole is to provide cushioning to the wearer's heeland forefoot. The outsole is commonly molded from abrasive resistantrubber material and comes in contact with the ground.

The cleat/spike insole shoe as an article of footwear is herein referredto as a CSI shoe. The features and aspects of the invention apply to thestructures and forces associated with the various areas of the shoe. Thespecific enhancement at the insole area provides flexibility andsupport. The sock lined insole plastic cradle provides stability thatincreases energy efficiency during activity.

A first advantage of the CSI shoe over those described in prior artfootwear styles is the flexibility. The sock lined plastic insole cradleis flexible, lightweight and easier to assemble than conventionalmidsole attached outsole plates. The sole of a typical athletic shoeaccounts for at least 50-60% of the total shoe weight. The CSI shoe ofthe present invention midsole/outsole components can be molded from acombined material. A third advantage is that assembly is reduced to twoprimary structures. The upper attached sole and cradle insole as oneunit combined of arch support, cushioning, heel cup and toe protection.Therefore, reducing costs by eliminating the need for a separate outsolemold, material and assembly line efficiency.

Finally, bridging with arch support also reduces considerable weight inscaling down of cushioning midsole and outsole material from the midfoot area.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an article of footwearthat overcomes deficiencies. The cleat/spike insole shoe of the presentinvention, is not however, limited and intended only for sports, indooror outdoor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The upper of the shoe associated with the structures of the presentinvention is secured to the sole in conventional manner and forms aninterior space for securely and comfortably inserting a foot by awearer. The upper may be from multiple elements including mesh,Gore-Tex®, synthetic leather and leather. Constructing materials thereofstitched and adhesively bonded together to form a footwear structure.

The CSI unit fills the inner space adjacent to the topside surface ofthe sole. The insole cradle unit includes a sock lined plastic layerencompassing a heel cup, arch support and toe protector havingcleats/spikes attached, affixed or receptacle means for saidcleats/spikes. The sock liner comprises a compressibly resilient foamlayer having top and bottom surfaces sized and shaped for insertion intothe footwear and for supporting the foot. The sole (mid/out) attenuatesreaction forces and absorbs energy as the footwear contacts the surface.The midsole forms the middle layer of the cushion sole and may becomposed of resilient foam material, such as polyurethane, or similar orcombination of materials. The cleats/spikes are provided at the bottomof the sole for ground engaged traction. The CSI shoe structure reducesmanufacturing cost and simplifies manufacturing processes.

The sock liner is a very soft foam insert that adds plenty of comfortand relieves cleat/spike pressure with light cushioning and shockabsorption of the shoe. The foam lower layer has compressibilitysufficient to permit the layer to resiliently compress under the foot inresponse to pressure applied by the foot during periods of a gait cyclewhen the footwear impacts the ground thereby absorbing shock andcushioning the foot during impact. The sock liner may further comprisean open cell layer. The bottom surface of the upper layer is permanentlybonded to the top surface of the lower layer for spacing the lower layerfrom the foot to reduce heat transfer from the lower layer to the footand insulate. The sock liner may include a closed cell lower layer and aporous upper level permitting air to pass through to cool and dry thefoot. The sock lined bonded plastic unit may be removable andreplaceable. The CSI shoe improves stability, propulsion, sides-to-sidesand gains maximum foot control. The cleat/spike insole has directcontact creating a natural synergy with the athlete's foot.

The plastic cradle insole of the present invention provides support andis used for cleats/spikes attachment. The plastic insole cradle can beformed by injection molding a resin into a desired shape, including areceptacle. The receptacle is sized and dimensioned to receive athreaded or locking system head of the shank (cleat component). Theresin can be enhanced having a fibrous composition of nylon or glass.Arch support is placed beneath the medial region, and considerableweight may be saved, as conventional mid/out sole materials may bereduced or eliminated. The resistance to flex is important in the archsupport region during the gait cycle. In addition, the anterior of thesupport requires an increase of flexibility for toeing off.

Cleated athletic shoes typically include a sole having an upperextending upwardly from the sole and into which the foot of the athleteis positioned and secured in place. A conventional cleated athletic shoeusually includes a pattern of cleats in the rearfoot portion and in theforefoot portion of the outsole. CSI spikes/cleats attach to the plasticinsole with a screw, threaded shank head, shank lock system and/or havea receptacle disposed on the exterior surface in the molding process. Anengagement receptacle would have threads on the interior surface wall.Shoes with studs are designed for efficient, reliable attachment anddisengagement. This allows the player to use the optimal stud fordifferent field conditions.

The sole of a typical athletic shoe accounts for 70% of the total shoeweight. Thus, to significantly reduce the total weight of a shoe, stepsmust be taken to reduce the weight of the sole. To achieve a sole whichis lightweight, the components thereof must be structured from aelimination concept to materials which are functionally efficient. Theunisole structure of the present invention is lightweight, providesflexibility, rigidness and is easier to assemble than conventionalmidsole and outsoles. The unisole is attached to the upper by lastingand/or adhesives. In addition, the unisole reduces molding costs due tothe fact that the midsole/outsole, or sole can be formed with one moldfrom a combined midsole/outsole material which eliminates the need for aseparate outsole mold. By using one mold as compared to two molds,simultaneously reduces the thickness, cost and weight. As mentionedabove, the unisole uses a combined midsole/outsole material to reducethe weight and increase the stability of the shoe. The stability isvital due to cleat pressure. The unisole and alternative components aremolded from a compound comprising cushioning foam (for example,polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate) and an abrasion resistant rubber.The EVA foam and compounds are available from Eclipse Polymers Co. Ltd.EVA or polyurethane are both capable of producing a suitable sole,however the primary requirements of the present invention are durabilityand stiffness value. The unisole is made by injection or form molding.The bottom surface may be molded with a plurality of tread elements toincrease the traction. A tread element texturing may take the form ofv-shaped flex groves, waffles, or other dimensional projections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of components ofthe present invention, in combination with a typical shoe upper, to forma complete shoe.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of components ofthe present invention, without the shoe upper and incorporating thesealing inserts into the midsole.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view (a view of the bottom of the midsole for aright foot shoe) of the partially assembled shoe foundation of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of a first embodiment of the sealinginsert components of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view (a view of the bottom of the outsole for aright foot shoe) of the fully assembled shoe foundation of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fully assembled shoe foundation ofthe present invention, ready for the placement and attachment of a shoeupper.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cleat/spike foruse in conjunction with the shoe foundation of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cleat/spike foruse in conjunction with the shoe foundation of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-11 are each partial cross-sectional views of the assembled shoefoundation of the present invention, showing the use of the variouspreferred embodiments of the cleat/spike construction and of the sealinginsert construction.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment of thefully assembled shoe foundation of the present invention, wherein theintegral molded construction actually provides for the upper componentsof the show and eliminates the need to provide for the separateattachment of a shoe upper.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of components ofthe unisole invention, without the shoe upper and without the use ofcleat/spikes as may be desired with some sport or non-sport uses of theshoe foundation.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a cleat/spikefor use in conjunction with the shoe foundation of the unisoleinvention.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further alternateembodiment of the assembled shoe foundation of the present invention,showing the use of the embodiment of the cleat/spike construction shownin FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made first to FIG. 1 for an overall description of anexploded assembly view of the components that make up the improvedcleat/spike insole shoe foundation of the present invention. FIG. 1represents what may be a typical shoe construction including all of thecomponents for a completed shoe. The assembly 10 of shoe components isshown with the components in their general orientation prior to or inthe process of assembly. The present invention generally comprises theshoe foundation 12 components which include all components except forthe shoe upper 14 which is shown in dashed outline form in FIG. 1. Thebalance of the components are shown with alignment lines generallypositioned to indicate the point of attachment for cleat/spikes 24 a-24n, two of which are shown in FIG. 1 as representative of the totalnumber that might be provided on the shoe.

The first primary component of the present invention is detachableinsert cradle 16 which is a molded plastic component that includes heelguard 26 and toe guard 28 positioned as shown. Positioned or placed ontop and within insert cradle 16 may be sock liner 30 that provides asoft cushion for the interior of the shoe. Positioned across the base ofcradle 16 are a number of hillock receptacles 32 whose function isdescribed in more detail below, but which line up with each of thealignment components associated with cleat/spikes 24 a-24 n.

Detachable insert cradle 16 is positioned on top of midsole 18 andthrough the midsole to cleats/spikes 24 a-24 n. Midsole 18 comprises aconfigured soft sole component with sufficient rigidity to add supportand flexibility. Midsole 18 incorporates a number of midsole apertures34 which again are aligned to receive cleats/spikes 24 a-24 n. Midsoleapertures 34 are shaped and sized to receive and retain sealing inserts20 shown positioned below midsole 18 in FIG. 1. Sealing inserts 20 aredesigned to seal the shoe while still allowing for the insertion andremoval of cleats/spikes 24 a-24 n. The structure and function ofsealing inserts 20 is described in more detail below.

Midsole 18 is positioned on top of outsole 22 with sealing inserts 20incorporated into midsole apertures 34. Like midsole 18, outsole 22provides a harder yet resilient material that serves as the exteriorbase sole material for the shoe 10. Like midsole 18, outsole 22incorporates a number of outsole apertures 36. Outsole apertures 36 aresized smaller than midsole apertures 34 so as to facilitate theretention of sealing inserts 20 within midsole 18. Outsole apertures 36are just large enough to receive the posts associated with each of thecleat/spikes 24 a-24 n.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2 for a further description of a partiallyexploded view of the shoe foundation 12 of the present invention. Inthis view of FIG. 2, sealing inserts 20 a-20 n have been positionedwithin midsole 18 as described above. The shoe upper has been removed inthis view for clarity and to distinguish it as not being part of thepresent invention. Once in position within midsole 18 sealing inserts 20a-20 n are adhered permanently to midsole 18 to prevent their movementor removal from the partially assembled shoe foundation 12. Once again,the components are aligned so as to facilitate the insertion of theposts associated with cleat/spikes 24 a-24 n through outsole apertures36, through sealing inserts 20 a-20 n and into contact with hillockreceptacles 32 positioned on the base of unisole cradle 16.

FIG. 3 provides a bottom plan view of the right foot configuration ofthe shoe foundation of the present invention looking up on the bottom ofthe midsole 18 as assembled with sealing inserts 20 as described above.Midsole 18 in this view is shown positioned on the bottom of unisolecradle 16 whose outer edge is just viewed around the perimeter ofmidsole 18. As indicated, an example of a sealing insert 20 b positionedin midsole aperture 34 b is shown. A molded in step portion 38 is shownon the base of midsole 18.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one example of a configuration ofmetatarsal pad sealing insert 20 suitable for placement and positioningwithin midsole 18. Sealing insert 20 n as a representative exampleincorporates a cylindrical structure made of a resilient but ruggedmaterial capable of being inserted and adhered to the material ofmidsole 18. Cross slits 40 n are positioned through the cylindricalstructure of sealing insert 20 n so as to allow for the passage of thepost of a cleat/spike 24 n (not shown) while at the same time generallysealing the aperture. Perimeter channel 42 n facilitates both theinsertion and the retention of sealing insert 20 n within the materialof midsole 18 through midsole aperture 34, as shown in FIG. 3.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which is again a view of the bottom of aright foot configuration of the present invention, this timeincorporating the outsole component and a plurality of cleats/spikes 24.Outsole 22 is shown positioned on the bottom of midsole 18 which againhas been retained on the bottom of replaceable insert cradle 16. In thisview, it can be seen how a plurality of cleats/spikes 24 (of a varietyof different types) may be positioned and oriented on the bottom of theshoe. The manner in which these cleats/spikes 24 are positioned andfixed is described in more detail below.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled components as shown in thepartially exploded assembly view of FIG. 2. Shoe foundation 12 in thiscase is shown in its fully assembled condition. Cleats/spikes 24 a-24 nare shown positioned on the base of shoe foundation 12 while detachablecradle 16 is shown positioned on the top and incorporates heel guard 26,sock liner 30, and toe guard 28, again as described above. The assembledshoe foundation 12 as shown in FIG. 6 is now ready to receive a shoeupper of a variety of configurations depending upon the particular sportfor which the shoe is intended.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7-11 for a detailed description of avariety of cleat/spike configurations and a variety of sealing insertconfigurations. Each of these configuration combinations are appropriatemechanisms for receiving and retaining a cleat/spike component into theshoe foundation of the present invention. FIG. 7 represents firstpreferred embodiment of a cleat/spike 25 n which includes spike 45 withretention post 47 terminating in a threaded section 49. In addition tothreaded section 49, cleat/spike 25 n incorporates a slot key 51 that isutilized to facilitate both the placement of the cleat/spike within theshoe foundation and the orientation of the cleat/spike 25 n once inposition.

FIG. 8 provides a somewhat simpler cleat/spike configuration of the typeshown in the previous drawings of the exploded assembly views.Cleat/spike 24 n shown in FIG. 8 incorporates spike 44 and retentionpost 46, which is simply a cylindrical post having an X-shaped crosssection. This structure facilitates the sealing of the spike through theX-shaped slits in the sealing inserts and eliminates some of the weightof the spike without diminishing its strength or rigidity.

FIGS. 9-11 provide partial cross-sectional views showing the variouscleat/spike configuration combinations and the manner in which they areinserted into the sealing inserts and thereby through the outsole andinto the midsole components of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows afirst configuration wherein shoe foundation 12 incorporates midsole 18and outsole 22 with sealing insert 20 positioned generally withinmidsole 18 and held in place by the adhesion of outsole 22 to midsole18. Rather than engaging a hillock receptacle 32 as shown in FIG. 1above, positioned in unisole cradle 16, the configuration in FIG. 9provides a recess in insert cradle 16 into which the X-shaped crosssection retention post 46 is received.

FIG. 10 demonstrates the utilization of the cleat/spike configurationshown in FIG. 7 wherein hillock receptacle 32 extends from detachableinsert cradle 16 to receive the threaded portion 49 of cleat/spike post47. In this configuration, slot key 51 is positioned so as to maintainthe orientation of cleat/spike 25 n within the shoe foundation 12through the sealing insert 20 n as shown.

FIG. 11 provides a hybrid of sorts between the design shown in FIGS. 9and 10 wherein a simple threading of the cleat/spike into the threadedhillock receptacle 32 is accomplished through sealing insert 20 n in amanner that may be more appropriate where orientation of the cleat/spikeon the bottom face of the sole of the shoe is less important. Even withthe configuration shown in FIG. 11, however, orientation may be retainedby simply establishing a fully threaded cleat/spike 23 n into thedetachable insert cradle 16, resulting in the proper orientation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12 for a description of an alternateembodiment of integrated cradle 17. In this view, the moldedconfiguration of integrated cradle 17 extends beyond simply that of heelguard 26 and toe guard 28 and extends up over and around the shoeenclosure by way of plate component 60, which may be open at the top inoverlapping fashion that may in a preferred embodiment be sealed with aVelcro® closure. In this configuration, no shoe upper may be necessaryfor utilization of the shoe, thereby creating a less expensive but stillhighly protective and versatile cleat/spike shoe.

Reference is finally made to FIGS. 13-15 for further alternateembodiments of the present invention. FIG. 13 discloses the unisole shoefoundation of the present invention absent the use of the outsole andany of the cleats/spikes. It is anticipated that a very simple shoefoundation may be utilized without the cleats/spikes and without theoutsole as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 whereby the same shoe may be worn offof the sports field or in conditions other than the sporting event towhich the cleats/spikes might have been directed. FIG. 13 simplyprovides an example of how the same structural configuration for theunisole shoe foundation of the present invention may be modifiedslightly to make the resulting shoe more versatile in use.

FIGS. 14 and 15 disclose an alternate embodiment for the cleat/spikestructure 24 n wherein notches 58 are cut into the sides of at least twoof the X-shaped cross-sectional portions of retention post 56 extendingabove the spike 54. In this configuration, cleat/spike 24 n may beutilized as shown in FIG. 15 to snap into place in an appropriatelyconfigured snap receptacle 60 positioned within the structure of unisolecradle 16. The view of FIG. 15, for example, may be appropriate for usewith the shoe foundation structure shown in FIG. 13, wherein the outsoleis not utilized and the midsole 18 becomes the outsole for the shoe. Inthis configuration, a separate aperture may be configured having asealing insert as shown in FIG. 13 or may simply be the moldedconfiguration of midsole 18. In either case, snap receptacle 60 ispositioned with prong catches to engage notches 58 positioned incleat/spike retention post 56. The configuration shown in FIG. 15therefore lends itself to both cleats/spikes that require a specificorientation and those that do not.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of theforegoing preferred embodiments, this description has been provided byway of explanation only, and is not intended to be construed as alimitation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognizemodifications of the present invention that might accommodate specifictypes of shoes or specific types of cleat/spikes, as well as variationsin the size of the shoe and the materials from which it is constructed.Such modifications, as to configuration and material composition, wheresuch modifications are coincidental to the type and size of the shoebeing constructed, do not necessarily depart from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

1. A shoe insole assembly for the optional receipt and retention of aplurality of cleat/spike structures such as those used in sportingevents, the shoe foundation assembly comprising: (a) a unitarily moldeddetachable shoe cradle component comprising a longitudinal platform, atoe guard extending from a first end of the longitudinal supportplatform, and a heel guard extending from a second end of thelongitudinal support platform; (b) a hillock component sized and shapedto be positioned on an underside base of the longitudinal supportplatform of the shoe cradle component, the cradle having a plurality ofhillock apertures positioned to receive the plurality of cleat/spikestructures; and (c) a unitarily molded insert shoe cradle componentcomprising a longitudinal platform, a toe guard extending from a firstend of the longitudinal support platform, and a heel guard extendingfrom a second end of the longitudinal support platform.
 2. A cleat spikeinsole shoe for terrain engagement and traction by a plurality ofcleat/spike structures such as those used in sporting events, the shoefoundation assembly comprising: (a) a unitarily molded shoe cradlecomponent comprising a longitudinal support platform, a toe guardextending from a first end of the longitudinal support platform, and aheel guard extending from a second end of the longitudinal supportplatform; (b) a midsole component sized and shaped to be positioned onan underside base of the longitudinal platform of the shoe cradlecomponent; and (c) an outsole component sized and shaped to bepositioned on an underside base of the midsole component, the outsolecomponent having a plurality of positioned cleat/spike structures.
 3. Ametatarsal sole sized and shaped to be positioned on an underside baseof the longitudinal platform of a shoe cradle component, the midsolehaving a plurality of sealable slit aperture pads positioned to receivethe plurality of cleat/spike structures; (a) a plurality of bondedsealing insert metatarsal pads positioned one vertical atop each withineach of the plurality of sealable slit apertures in the midsolecomponent comprising a no leak cylinder; (b) an outsole component sizedand shaped to be positioned on an underside base of the midsolecomponent, the outsole having a plurality of apertures positioned toreceive the plurality of X-shape post cleat/spike structures; and (c) aplurality of x-shape post cleat/spike structures insertable into theplurality of apertures in the outsole and through the plurality ofsealable insert pads positioned within the plurality of midsoleapertures, each of the plurality of cleat/spike structures having meansfor retention of the same within the bonded x-slit sealing insert padsand midsole apertures.
 4. A shoe foundation assembly for the optionalreceipt and retention of a plurality of cleat/spike structures such asthose used in sporting events, the shoe foundation assembly comprising:(a) a unitarily molded detachable shoe cradle component comprising alongitudinal platform, a toe guard extending from a first end of thelongitudinal support platform, and a heel guard extending from a secondend of the longitudinal support platform; (b) a midsole component sizedand shaped to be positioned on an underside base of the longitudinalplatform of the shoe cradle component, the midsole having a plurality ofsealable apertures positioned to receive the plurality of cleat/spikestructures; (c) a plurality of sealing inserts positioned one eachwithin each of the plurality of sealable apertures in the midsolecomponent; (d) an outsole component sized and shaped to be positioned onan underside base of the midsole component, the outsole having aplurality of apertures positioned to receive the plurality of x-shapepost cleat/spike structures; and (e) a plurality of x-shape postcleat/spike structures insertable into the plurality of apertures in theoutsole and through the plurality of sealable inserts positioned withinthe plurality of midsole apertures, each of the plurality of cleat/spikestructures having means for retention of the same within the x-shapedpost sealing inserts and midsole apertures.